Spending long hours under the sun can put your skin at risk by disrupting your skin's microbiome, reducing its diversity and possibly impacting skin health. UV radiation also directly harms skin cells, leading to premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer.

Using broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak intensity hours can help mitigate these effects.

Cold, windy conditions can strip moisture from your skin, leading to dryness, cracking, and irritation. The loss of moisture and natural oils (lipids) from the skin compromises your barrier function, making your skin more susceptible to infections and negatively impacting your microbiome balance.

Applying protective, moisturizing barriers before exposure and using clothing designed to shield your skin from the elements can reduce wind and cold damage.

High temperatures and humidity increase sweat and sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores, poor complexion, and disruptions in the skin microbiome.

Staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, and practicing proper hygiene (e.g., showering and gently cleansing your skin after sweating) can help manage the effects of heat and humidity.

Exposure to pollutants such as smoke, particulate matter, and ozone can lead to oxidative stress, damaging your skin cells and altering your skin microbiome. Pollutants can decrease the diversity of your skin microbiome and increase the abundance of harmful microorganisms.

Using topical antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, E) can help protect your body from harmful molecules called free radicals. Cleansing your skin after exposure to polluted environments can also reduce the impact of air pollutants.

Regular exposure to chlorinated water, as found in swimming pools, can disrupt your skin's natural microbiome and degrade your skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. Similarly, prolonged exposure to salt water can dehydrate your skin and affect your microbiome as exogenous bacteria can be present on your skin for at least 24hr after ocean water exposure and can remove normal resident bacteria from your skin microbiome.

Rinsing the skin with fresh water after water sports and applying a moisturizer can help restore your skin's natural barrier. Using barrier-protecting creams before swimming might also offer protection.

Sports that involve running, cycling, or tight-fitting equipment can cause friction against your skin, leading to blisters, chafing, and abrasions. These injuries disrupt your skin's surface, making it more susceptible to infection and altering the local microbiome. Outdoor sports such as surfing, climbing, trail biking, and trail running involve physical collisions and impacts that can cause cuts, bruises, and open wounds. Such injuries provide a direct pathway for pathogens to enter your skin and disturb your microbial balance.

To maintain healthy skin as an outdoor athlete, use protective gear, apply proper technique to minimize skin contact, follow a skin care regimen that includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing, promptly treat wounds to prevent infection, and allow for adequate rest and recovery time for skin injuries.

As an athlete, you should be careful with skincare products that could harm your skin barrier. Products with ingredients like harsh alcohols or fragrances, overusing exfoliants, or those that clog pores with comedogenic substances can all be problematic. Also, make sure you're using enough sun protection and choosing products that match your specific skin type. Neglecting these aspects can lead to dryness, irritation, acne, and increased sensitivity, all of which compromise the health and function of your skin barrier.

It's crucial to choose the right skincare products to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Moisturizers can balance and strengthen your skin, especially in harsh conditions, while squalane increases hydration—important as you lose moisture through sweat. Use mineral, broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield against UVA and UVB rays, and gentle cleansers to keep your skin’s natural oils balanced. Antioxidant serums with vitamins C and E fend off environmental damage. Oat oils help soothe the skin, and omega fatty acids boost your skin's elasticity and moisture retention. Opt for products tailored to your skin type to enhance its health and resilience.

As an athlete, if your diet is high in protein but low in fats and carbohydrates, you might be missing out on essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which are crucial for maintaining skin hydration and barrier function. Over-relying on supplements, not drinking enough water, and poor nutrient timing around your workouts can also hurt your skin health, leaving it more vulnerable to damage and environmental stress.

Fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 enhance hydration and can soothe the skin, while vitamins A, C, D, and E promote skin cell growth, repair, and protection against oxidative damage. Additionally, minerals like zinc and elements like probiotics boost skin resilience, and staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining skin health. Avoiding high sugar and refined carbs is also vital to prevent skin conditions and maintain barrier function.

Stress and hormonal fluctuations can disrupt your skin barrier by increasing cortisol levels, which can reduce ceramide production and can lead to dryness and irritation. Imbalanced sebum production can cause acne or dryness, compromising your skin's integrity. Wound healing may be impaired due to cortisol's inhibition of the inflammatory response. Inflammation can worsen existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, affecting an athlete's comfort and performance.

Maintaining stress levels, hormonal balance, proper skincare, and healthy lifestyle habits are crucial for supporting your skin barrier as an athlete.